Alkali Metals Flashcards
What are the alkali metals?
lithium, sodium, potassium
Are alkali metals reactive?
Highly reactive to water
Why are alkali metals highly reactive?
they only have one electron in the outermost shell, therefore reactive to obtain octet
What happens when you move down the group?
reactivity increases
What are some physical properties of alkali metals?
silvery white, soft and light, low density, low melting and boiling point
What is the equation when alkali reacts with water?
2Li + 2H20 = 2LiOH + H2
What happens when sodium reacts with water?
melts and forms ball of metal and gives off hydrogen gas
What happens when lithium reacts with water?
gives off hydrogen gass
What happens when potassium reacts with water?
burns with lilac flame, gives off hydrogen gas, can explode
What is the equation when alkali metals reacts with oxygen?
4Li + O2 = 2Li2O
What happens when lithium reacts with oxygen?
burns with red flame
What happens when sodium reacts with oxygen?
burns in air with orange to yellow glow
What happens when potassium reacts with oxygen?
small pieces will melt instantly with no flame. large pieces with burn with lilac colored flame
Where are alkali metals stored?
under oil due to their reactivity with water and oxygen
What is the name of alkali + water?
soluble alkaline hydroxide + hydrogen gas
